5 Natural Ways to Keep Bees Away from Hummingbird Feeders

Hummingbird feeders can be a joy to have in your garden, attracting these colorful and energetic little birds. However, one common problem that many people face when using hummingbird feeders is the presence of bees. While bees are essential pollinators for many plants, they can be a nuisance when they crowd around hummingbird feeders, stealing nectar meant for the birds.

The good news is there are several natural and effective ways to keep bees away from your hummingbird feeders without harming the bees or the birds. Here are five simple methods you can use to deter bees while still allowing hummingbirds to enjoy their nectar.

1. Opt for Bee-Resistant Hummingbird Feeders

The easiest and most effective way to reduce bee problems is to choose a feeder designed to be bee-resistant. These feeders have built-in features that limit bees’ access to the nectar while still allowing hummingbirds to feed.

Here are some types of bee-resistant feeders to consider:

• Nectar port feeders: These feeders have narrow feeding tubes that are too small for bees to access, but perfectly sized for a hummingbird’s beak.
• Bee guards: Many modern feeders come with bee guards—a special screen or mesh that covers the nectar ports. The holes are small enough to prevent bees from feeding but still allow hummingbirds to sip nectar.
• Upturned feeding trays: Some feeders have inverted trays or feeding holes that are difficult for bees to land on but easy for hummingbirds to reach.

Using a bee-resistant feeder is one of the best long-term solutions to this issue.

2. Change the Nectar Recipe

Bees are attracted to sugary nectar, but they may prefer the sweetness of your homemade nectar over the type found in a typical hummingbird feeder. By adjusting the sugar-to-water ratio, you can make your nectar less attractive to bees.

The ideal recipe for hummingbird nectar is 1 part white granulated sugar to 4 parts water (a 1:4 ratio). However, to deter bees, you can experiment with a slightly less sweet nectar. Try using a 1:5 ratio of sugar to water. This makes the nectar less sugary and less appealing to bees while still providing the necessary energy for hummingbirds.

Another trick is to avoid using honey in your nectar, as bees are especially attracted to it. Always stick to plain white sugar to make the nectar less tempting to bees.

3. Position Your Feeder Strategically

Bees tend to be drawn to sunny spots, where they can easily find nectar and warmth. By placing your feeder in a shaded area or near brightly colored flowers, you can make the feeder less attractive to bees and more appealing to hummingbirds.

Here are a few tips for positioning your feeder:

• Keep it away from bee habitats: If you have a garden with flowering plants that bees frequent, try placing the feeder away from these plants.
• Hang the feeder in the shade: Bees are attracted to warm, sunny spots, so hanging your feeder in a cooler, shaded area will make it less appealing to them.
• Use bright colors: Hummingbirds are attracted to bright colors, especially red. By choosing a red-colored feeder, you can attract the birds while keeping the bees away (since bees are less attracted to red).

Positioning the feeder in a spot with less direct sunlight and away from the main paths of bees will help reduce their presence around the feeder.

4. Create a Bee-Friendly Habitat Elsewhere

One of the reasons bees are drawn to hummingbird feeders is that they are in search of nectar. By providing bees with their own source of food, you can distract them from your hummingbird feeder.

Consider planting bee-friendly flowers in another area of your garden. Bees are attracted to a variety of plants, especially those that produce lots of nectar. Some excellent choices include:

• Lavender
• Bee balm
• Sunflowers
• Coneflowers
• Borage

By planting a bee garden away from your hummingbird feeders, you provide bees with plenty of food and give them an alternative nectar source. This helps keep the bees occupied and reduces the likelihood that they will swarm around the hummingbird feeder.

5. Use Natural Repellents

If you prefer a more direct approach, there are several natural repellents you can use to deter bees without harming them. These methods rely on scents that bees find unpleasant but that are not harmful to them.

Here are a few natural repellent options:

• Cinnamon: Bees dislike cinnamon, and it can be a great way to keep them away from your feeder. Sprinkle a small amount of cinnamon around the area where your hummingbird feeder is located. Just be sure not to use too much, as cinnamon can also deter hummingbirds.
• Citronella: Bees are sensitive to the smell of citronella. You can place citronella candles or essential oils around the feeder to create a barrier that keeps the bees away.
• Mint or eucalyptus: Bees dislike the strong scent of mint and eucalyptus. You can use essential oils of either of these plants or plant them around the feeder area to naturally repel bees.

These repellents work by interfering with the bees’ sense of smell, making it harder for them to locate the feeder. Just be mindful to use them in moderation and not to create an environment that would harm your hummingbirds.

Conclusion

While bees play a crucial role in pollination, they can become a nuisance around hummingbird feeders. By using these natural and humane methods, you can reduce the presence of bees and ensure that your hummingbird feeders are providing food for your feathered friends instead.

Experiment with different combinations of these techniques to find the most effective solution for your garden. With a little patience and the right approach, you can keep both bees and hummingbirds happy!

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